Bogotá, Day 1 (August, 4th)

I wake up at 6 o´clock local time after sleeping like a baby. I didn´t even feel the cold (Bogotá is at an altitude of almost 2700 meters) under my three blankets. This changes quickly once my feet touch the icy tiled floor and I decide to spend another two hours leasurely reading up on Bogota and all the places I want to see today - it´s a holiday after all! Eventually I become more comfortable with the thought of braving the cold and the world in general (and Bogotá in particular) and take to the shower. The installation of the electric shower is typical for South America with the plug a mere inches from the shower head. Just as typical is the water temperature that is nowhere near hot, but even the luke-warm water manages to steam up the tiny bathroom.

Then it´s time to hit the streets and get acquained with Colombia´s capital, a city sprawling on a high plain in the middle of the Andes with a population of around 10,000,000 (inofficial number). Very soon it becomes obvious that Bogotá is not what could be called an intriguingly beautiful city, but a city of sharp contrasts: old and new, well-preserved and shabby, rich and poor, South American and European, a city that reflects the cultural backgrounds of its population and a very lively and colourful city it is, too. In other words: absolutely fascinating. 

Cathedral at Plaza de Bolívar

The "Libertador" himself - the old man obviously sparks romantic feelings in some

Elementary school field trip to the Capitolio, seat of Congress

Police preparing for a students´ protest

Behind every turn there´s a new world to discover. I´ve never felt unsafe, probably because a huge part of the people you meet wears uniforms. The people are cheerful, friendly and some go out of their way to help you. Gringos aren´t yet a typical sight in most parts of the city. I spend the whole day wandering around, visiting the famous Gold Museum (and its fame is well-deserved), 

colonial gems and a museum displaying the art of Colombia´s most famous contemporary artist, Botero, whose portraits usually feature Rubens-style models. 

In the colonial heart of Bogotá, La Candelaria

These paper maché figures are called "ghosts" and indicate where someone was killed, executed or commited suicide in a rather graphic way - and there are many ghosts in colonial Bogotá...

How many lives will this little daredevil have already used  up at his young age?

The Andes are always within sight

Guard at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The old mint is a colonial gem that houses several museums, one of them is dedicated to Botero´s private art collection

I could have gone on for ever, but it got dark, I was really cold and exhausted, so I´ll leave further explorations to tomorrow and the next days. Too bad the party trio is back in the patio, even though the temperatures are little (if at all) above 10°C. Well, I´ve got my ear plugs ready...

Hmm, well maybe it´s not only an old cliché...?